Compare Side-by-Side: Best HDTV for Picture Quality

The Samsung UN55B8500 doesn’t come cheap, but it is the best performing LCD TV on the current ... read more

The Samsung UN55B8500 doesn’t come cheap, but it is the best performing LCD TV on the current market and one of the best performing HDTVs ever made. This incredibly slim, stylish LCD TV uses LED backlighting with local-dimming technology to deliver unparalleled black levels and extremely accurate, highly saturated color. There are some flaws in terms of off-angle viewing and screen uniformity, but these won’t detract from the viewing experience if you are sitting in front of the TV.

The physical design of the unit is gorgeous as well – the UNB8500 series is much thinner than most local dimming LED TVs, at just 1.6 inches deep. It is set in a glossy black frame, with a strong brushed metal swiveling stand. Being LED backlit, the unit also runs much cooler than its competitors, and weighs considerably less as well. There are four HDMI inputs, and two USB ports, as well as a component-video connection (allows composite input as well), optical audio jack, and a LAN, Cable, and DVI input.

The UN55B8500 comes with two remotes – the first is a full featured RF remote, which you sync with the TV on first run, allowing you to control the unit without line of sight view. The buttons are backlit, and have many dedicated keys to avoid navigating too many menus. The second remote is a very simple little hockey puck-style remote that only controls channel, volume and power; although not necessary, this can be useful for letting the kids watch TV, or letting guests who are unfamiliar with your setup perform the basic functions.

Other features include Yahoo Widgets, which brings many interactive capabilities to your TV. There are widgets for stocks, weather, news, Facebook, Flickr photos, YouTube, games, Twitter, and more. This HDTV has a network connection and USB ports which can be used for streaming media, and the Ethernet port can also be used to upgrade the TV’s firmware.

Overall, the Samsung UN55B8500 is a feature packed, performance driven powerhouse, leaving almost nothing to be desired in the visual department, and more than enough bells and whistles. There are plenty of connections to allow you to enjoy all of your devices on the beautiful display, and a quality build that is sure to impress.
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Now that the former performance champ -- the Pioneer KURO -- is no longer available, Panasonic&rsquo... read more

Now that the former performance champ -- the Pioneer KURO -- is no longer available, Panasonic’s V10 plasma TVs are the new leader. This sleek plasma TV offers exceptional picture quality with extremely deep black levels, accurate colors, and great grayscale performance. Just like the G10, Panasonic’s V10 series offers a THX mode for easily obtaining an accurate picture. However, for more experienced users, the V10’s additional picture-adjustment options make it possible to get an even better picture using the Custom mode. The V10 also has excellent video processing capability and can correctly handle 1080p/24 sources without flicker thanks to its 96Hz mode. This is a great feature for buyers with Blu-ray players that can output outputting 1080p/24. The TC-P50V10 offers plenty of connectivity options with four HDMI inputs (including one on the side), composite and S-video, two component inputs, and a PC input. There’s also an Ethernet port for accessing content via VieraCast including Amazon Video on Demand, YouTube videos, and stocks. This HDTV features the company’s NEO PDP panel which provides improved energy efficiency over last year’s plasmas. However, it still consumes much more power than the latest LCD TV models. Videophiles seeking an attractive, well-designed HDTV will appreciate the Panasonic TC-P50V10’s stylish looks and stellar performance. And while many viewers will find that the G10 is a better value because of its lower price tag, those willing to spend the extra money for the V10 won’t be disappointed by its stellar performance. read less

The Panasonic TC-P50G10 offers outstanding picture quality with black level performance that only th... read more

The Panasonic TC-P50G10 offers outstanding picture quality with black level performance that only the Pioneer KURO and Panasonic TC-P50V10 can rival. Additionally, the THX mode automatically adjusts picture settings for optimal viewing, delivering extremely accurate color temperature (grayscale) and primary colors. This HDTV also features VieraCast, which provides access to interactive Internet services such as YouTube or Picasa over Ethernet. Connectivity is sufficient with 3 HDMI ports (2 in the rear, 1 on the side) and plenty of other inputs such as composite, S-video, and VGA. Other highlights include a 2:3 pull-down setting and anti image retention to prevent burn-in. Power consumption is always a big concern when it comes to plasmas, and while this HDTV can’t match the energy efficiency of comparable LCD TVs, it is more efficient than the company’s 2008 models. But energy efficiency aside, the Panasonic TC-P50G10 delivers exceptional performance at a very reasonable price. read less

Just like the Samsung UN55B8500, the LG 55LH90 features LED backlighting with local dimming technolo... read more

Just like the Samsung UN55B8500, the LG 55LH90 features LED backlighting with local dimming technology to produce superb picture quality, making this one of the best performing HDTVs on the market. And like the Panasonic G10 and V10 plasmas, this LCD TV boasts THX display certification for superior clarity and accuracy. When set to the THX mode, the 55LH90 delivers an extremely accurate and realistic picture. And if you’re an experienced calibrator, the set’s expert modes provide a 10-point white balance system and a full color management system for dialing in a picture exactly to your liking. The LG 55LH90 outperforms most LCDs and nearly matches the performance of the best plasmas with its extremely deep black levels, excellent color, and solid video processing. This set also has very good sound quality for a TV, making it an even better value. While it lacks interactive connectivity features found on some of its competitors, this helps to keep the cost down and provide buyers with maximum bang-for-the-buck in terms of performance. read less

Samsung’s LN52B750 is certainly one of the best performing HDTVs on the market. Picture qualit... read more

Samsung’s LN52B750 is certainly one of the best performing HDTVs on the market. Picture quality is excellent, and though it can’t match that of the best plasmas (such as the Panasonic G10 series), it outperforms nearly all other LCDs, including the ultra-thin LED edge-lit models. This HDTV is also very energy efficient and has plenty of interactive features including Yahoo! Widgets for stocks, weather, news, and other information.

As mentioned before, the LNB750 series has excellent picture quality, delivering accurate colors and very deep blacks. Color temperature is also accurate, especially after adjusting the white balance controls. One of the step-up features found on the LNB750 series is a 240Hz refresh rate. While you may not be able to clearly see the benefits over a 120Hz refresh rate, this HDTV does a solid job with video processing. Like with most Samsung’s TVs, there are plenty of adjustment options to help you get just the right picture, including five color temperature presets, adjustable dejudder processing, seven-position gamma control, color space control and plenty more. The adjustable dejudder processing lets you set judder reduction and blur reduction separately.

Connectivity should be sufficient for most. Four HDMI ports, an Ethernet port, two component video inputs, one RF input, one stereo analog, one VGA PC input, one optical digital audio output, two USB ports and an AV input are all included. If you need an S-video input though, you’ll find yourself out of luck. A particularly noteworthy feature is the ability to upgrade the set’s firmware via the Ethernet port.

If plasma TVs are not for you and you’re still looking for superb picture quality, then the Samsung LN52B750 is one of the best options out there. While it can’t match the sleekness or energy efficiency of the company’s edge-lit LCD TVs, it offers much more bang for the buck and delivers superior performance. Anyone shopping for an LCD TV should put this one at or near the top of their list. read less